Proposed bill would force libraries' closure

Plato, Aesop, Socrates, Aristotle, Homer, Cicero, Justinius, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Twain, Orwell, Steinbeck, Joyce, Updike, Salinger, London, Kesey, and Faulkner are just a few of the many famous authors and their works who fit the criteria of “objectionable sexual or violent content,” thus unavailable to anyone under 18 if Idaho’s latest misguided library book ban bill is passed. 

Supporters say it isn’t technically a “book ban.” It’s just triggered by anyone who complains about the content of any literature they find objectionable, such as the works of the above authors and many others.

The $2,500 fine is now just $250 …. Plus “awarded attorney’s fees, actual damages, and other relief provided by law.” Also, the attorney’s fees for the library or school to respond to every lawsuit. Yup, that shouldn’t cost us taxpayers much.

Basically, every library will need a large room to house all the “objectionable works and authors” only accessible to those over 18. Meaning essentially every school library, and most community libraries, will need to shut down because they are only one room, or do not have a separate room or multiple staff to police access to the “objectionable” room.  

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set your free” (John 8:32)

The truth is that one can find many references in the Bible of pretty explicit and inappropriate sexual and violent content, including incest, rape, gang rape, promiscuity, obscenity, infidelity, abortion, prostitution, slavery, genocide, and regular murders committed from jealousy, hate, or uncontrolled anger. Surely, the Bible shouldn’t be locked in a room where only those over 18 can access it. Should it?

PIERRE BORDENAVE

Sandpoint